04/30/2020 -
Celebrating Dave and his Retirement
The following message is from IT DIrector Cody Grosskopf:
As most of you know, Dave Dixon will be retiring soon. Although we are in the process of interviewing candidates, Dave Dixon can never be replaced. Dave has been with SCOE for 40-plus years, and during those 40 years, Dave has always remained an upstanding member of society. One of the things I enjoy most about Dave is his easy-going demeanor. Even in hectic situations, Dave is able to remain calm and usually has some quirky comments to lighten the situation. On the topic of quirky comments, Dave has one for almost every situation. Here is an example: On a Friday afternoon, as we are heading to the door to leave, a usual comment (but not the only one) from Dave might be: "Have a good one, have a couple." Here is a picture of Dave from a recent Zoom meeting where he decided to wear a suit: 
Name: Dave Dixon
Years at SCOE: 40.
Job Title: IT Support Technician
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE? I support SCOE and all it’s programs and people with all their technology needs. If I can’t help them, I get them to the right person in our department who can.
Where did you grow up? I may be getting older but will never grow up. :) I was born in Norwalk CA, and we moved up to Sebastopol in 1965. I was lucky to grow up on a ranchette with 3 acres of orchard with lots of various fruit trees. We always had a big garden and my mom canned everything. I still miss the fresh fruit, berries, and veggies. I went to elementary school at Oak Grove USD and at El Molino High.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why? ? Mrs. Weibe. She was my 4th grade teacher and she put up with my hyperactivity and ADD. She supported me in learning all the different kinds of sciences that I was into, which was far beyond 4th grade material. She would let me go through the SCOE Film Catalog and order any movies on any subject I wanted. She was also firm in not letting me get too out of control. I ran a lot of laps around the track.
What is your favorite thing about SCOE? Definitely my co-workers. I am blessed I get to go around and help everyone and in doing so have/had some great relationships with them. I am also lucky to be part of a great team in IT to work with. No amount of pay can make up for that.
What is your most memorable moment at SCOE? After 40 years of working here, I have quite a few. Probably hearing about Dick Bacon (superintendent at the time) dieing in his office when I was delivering materials to Alexander Valley School. He was a great guy and one of my first supervisors when I started at SCOE.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind? I like to ride my motorcycle or go hiking.
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County? A There is so much to like around here but I would have to say Armstrong Woods State Park. It has a great variation of terrain from the big redwoods to the ridge tops, and primitive camping along East Austin Creek.
What might people be surprised to learn about you? Spoiler Alert: See years at SCOE at the top. That, and I have been riding motorcycles since I was 7 years old. I’m currently riding my 9th motorcycle and looking forward to my 10th.
